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Yankees honor 'Missions Made Possible' founder

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Yankees fans celebrate HOPE Week 1:29

3/21/13: Fans wear HOPE Week gear as the booth discusses the Yankees' annual honoring of goodwill and gestures of kindness

By Bryan Hoch
/
MLB.com |

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Yankees kicked off the announcement of this year's upcoming HOPE Week with a pregame ceremony on Thursday, honoring 73-year-old Ken Guill for his work in founding the non-profit humanitarian organization "Missions Made Possible."

Missions Made Possible (www.missionsmp.com), an Orlando, Fla.-based agency, was recognized on the field prior to Thursday's game against the Twins. The organization provides lifeguard and emergency relief flights for those in need of sudden transportation due to unfortunate health problems.

"What does it mean to be recognized by the Yankees? It's beyond expression and words, the thankfulness that has occurred, for my whole crew and all the other people that make it happen," Guill said. "It's not just us, but there's mechanics behind the scenes and other people that would have loved to been here too."

Guill was joined by vice president, co-pilot and co-founder Joe Kemmer, co-pilot Chris Meyer and flight nurse Vicky Smith, all of whom were invited guests of the Yankees.

HOPE Week (Helping Others Persevere & Excel) will return for the fifth consecutive season from July 8-12, a community program that brings to light five stories intended to inspire individuals into action in their own communities.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.